Category Archives: Local 633 Snapshots

Teamsters’ Retirements Acknowledged at the February General Membership Meeting

Principal Officer Jeffrey Padellaro and Business Agent Richard Laughton presented Gerry McGuire with a Teamsters’ watch in recognition of his long time commitment to the Union. Agent Laughton stated, “Gerry is a 36 year member of the Teamsters. He spent over 30 years at Yellow/Roadway and 4 years at Red Star. As a former Shop Steward, Gerry was very helpful during the merger of the two companies. Gerry has always been an active participant in our Local Union and regularly attended our monthly membership meetings. During his long career, he always looked out for the best interests of our members at work. Gerry is a true Teamster. Good luck, my friend.”

Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro and Business Agent Kevin Foley presented James Duso with a Teamsters’ watch in recognition of 31 years as a Union member. James is retiring from UPS where he was a Feeder Driver. Kevin Foley stated,”Jim started his career at UPs as a Package Car Driver in Laconia in 1987. Jim then took advantage of the Feeder Driver opportunity where he remained until retirement. Jim has always been extremely helpful and a great asset to this Union. He represented both the Union and UPS in a professional manner at all times. We hope that he has a very long, safe and healthy retirement and wish him nothing but the best.”

Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro and Business Agent Kevin Foley presented Theodore Burnette with a Teamsters’ watch in recognition of 35 years as a Union member. Ted is retiring from UPS where he worked as a MHT Gateway 22.3 Combo employee at the Manchester Airport. Kevin Foley stated, ” UPS grew because of folks like Ted with his hard work and dedication to the mission. I believe his constructive, thoughtful questions helped and encouraged me to be better at what I do for all our members. I hope his retirement is long and healthy and Ted has the opportunity to do those things he has put off for so many years. We all wish Ted a long and happy retirement.”

Jeff Padellaro thanked all the retirees for their hard work and dedication to their employers and the Union. Jeff stated, ” These members are the faces of our Local; hard working for their employer and strong loyal members for our Local. These two qualities are not mutually exclusive. On behalf of the Local’s Executive Board, I want to wish them a long, healthy and happy retirement. I look forward to seeing them at future General Membership meetings and other Union events where they will always be welcome as part of our Union family.”

Principal Officer Jeffrey Padellaro created this section to profile our members in more depth so that our brothers and sisters have a better appreciation for members working in careers with which they may not be familiar.

Frank Logan is currently assigned to the Concord Prison for Men’s Secure Psychiatric Unit (SPU). A 49-year-old Army Veteran, Frank has worked for the Department of Correction since 1999. He recalled the hiring process as slow and that new Correctional Officers were assigned to one of three locations prior to attending the academy. Frank described a situation where the new officers would be introduced to the new environment with little training. The assignments for the Correctional Officers in Training (COT) included a post in the Chapel, a post in the old weight room located near Box 1, and the visiting room.

“The visiting room was a difficult assignment for a COT as the inmates had the ability to meet with visitors and potentially introduce contraband,” Frank said. In addition, to bring attention to the status of the COT, they were required to wear a cover with the word “TRAINEE” emblazoned on it.

Frank described attending the Academy located in the Berlin facility administrative house. Three COTs were housed at the building for the duration of his training. The Admin building was described as an old farmhouse.

Frank recalls the introduction of cameras within the facility and described the apprehension felt by many of the experienced officers. Frank believes the stationary and hand-held cameras have generally been a good addition to the security infrastructure of the facility. Other improvements over the years have included the upgrading of radios and the introduction of Tasers within the department. Frank stated he would like the Tasers distributed to any officer who requests them.

Over the years, Frank has worked at every post within the facility except the Main Control Post. During his career he has been assaulted seven times, one of which was extremely serious, resulting in time off from work and the criminal prosecution of the inmate. The inmate was sentenced to additional time for the assault.

Frank stated that being an officer is a difficult job but believes it is important to remain positive. He said that Correctional Officers “work with your head on a swivel and to always look out for your brother and sister officer.” Frank expressed sincere concern over the number of hours officers are forced to work as a result of the critically low staffing numbers. Frank says that, unfortunately, some officers develop serious health issues, have difficulty maintaining healthy personal relationships at home and experience serious child care issues as a result of officers being forced to work two to four forced overtime shifts a week. In addition, because the staffing is always at the minimum, the officers available to respond to inmates acting out is severely limited.

When asked about his interaction with the Union, Frank responded that he had tried to get involved when previous Unions represented the group, but felt it was a closed system. Frank stated he is extremely satisfied with the Teamsters’ approach to servicing the members. He cited the Tours of Teamster Union officials on a regular basis and the availability of the Business Agents, Field Representative and legal counsel by phone and email between face- to- face meetings. He also appreciated Local 633 sending two of the stewards to a 3-day critical incident/internal affairs seminar and hopes to attend additional training provided by the Local.

When asked about his participation at the Labor Management Committee (LMC), Frank said, “It is an excellent forum to bring up issues directly to the Commissioner without it being filtered by the other members of the Administration.” Frank stated that he hoped the Governor and the other decision makers in the legislature would visit the facility and meet the men and women who, through their professionalism and commitment, make it work under difficult conditions. They make it work with staffing shortages that are unbelievably taxing on the officers. Frank said, “It is a pleasure to work beside the many men and women who do such a great job and I know have my back.”

Frank Logan is a Teamster Steward, LMC member, and he is on the Negotiating Committee.

On behalf of the Executive Board, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation for all the time and effort Frank dedicates for all of our members employed by the Department of Correction. JP

Editor’s Note: Frank, we agree, the Governor and company should tour the facility, and, when their tour is complete, they should be notified that their tour has been unexpectedly extended another 8 hours.

Mayoral Candidate Joyce Craig was introduced to the membership Sunday, November 5, 2017, prior to the monthly membership meeting being called to order. The Teamsters represent several bargaining units employed by the City and the School District. Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro stated that he was impressed with Ms. Craig’s positive and enthusiastic outlook for the City of Manchester. Jeff Padellaro stated, “It is time for the executive of this fine city to address the issues that resulted in other communities pulling out of the Manchester School District. Mayor-elect Craig is uniquely qualified to address that issue and to take action in support of the schools to entice the surrounding communities to come back to the Manchester School District.” Padellaro continued, “It will be a pleasant change to have a mayor that appreciates not only the taxpayers, but also the men and women who work for the City to make it all work, many of whom are also taxpayers and residents.”

Candidate Craig was well- received by the Teamster members in attendance at the monthly meeting.

Comments Off on DAN CHAMBERS of UPS RECOGNIZED for 25 YEARS of SAFE DRIVING

Dan Chambers of UPS Nashua was recognized by UPS for 25 Years of Safe Driving. This honor is bestowed upon those drivers who have reached at least 25 years of commercial operation without incurring an avoidable accident. Business Agent Kevin Foley congratulated Dan on this milestone and wishes him continued success in his career as a professional Teamster driver for UPS. Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro also extended his congratulations to Dan and his family on this achievement.

This time of year most of us are focused on a new school year for our children, fulfilling our obligations to work, and spending time with our families. Unfortunately, many of our brothers and sisters in Texas and Florida are focused on just subsistence. In Texas, hundreds of thousands of homes have been damaged or lost by a natural disaster, Hurricane Harvey. In Florida, as we await Irma to run her course, thousands will be subjected to killer storm surges and winds. Lifetimes of memories recorded in pictures and keepsakes may be lost forever. The Families’ goals and projects that were being worked on in August have been quashed or put on hold for a long time. This is a tragedy of epic proportions which will have a profound and devastating impact on many families and communities.

Please take a moment or two in your busy life to keep these citizens in your thoughts and prayers. If you have the means, and the desire, please donate to the disaster relief organization of your choice. The devastating impact of these storms will be felt by these families long after the storms have dissipated.

“Local 633 had a strong showing at the Annual 2017 Labor Day Breakfast held at the Saint George Orthodox Cathedral in Manchester,” according to Jeff Padellaro. Senator Maggie Hassan, pictured above, greeted old friends at the Breakfast. Pictured with Senator Hassan are Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro; Business Agent Rick Laughton; Business Agent Kevin Foley; Field Representatives Keith Judge and Roger Travers; and Trustees Scott Gove and James Petrillo.

The Breakfast was attended by labor leaders along with politicians representing local and state government. Jeff Padellaro commented that without union representation the working class can not keep pace with the rising cost of living. Without representation, we would have working men and women of this country facing the accountants and lawyers representing corporate interests, with the worker standing alone, without the protection of the Union to act as a shield against arbitrary and capricious actions of the corporation.

Every year, for the last 45 years, Teamsters Local 633 sponsors a special day for Camp Allen attendees. Camp Allen hosts individuals of all ages with developmental and physical challenges. Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro stated that this year’s event was once again a great success. Jeff credited the many active and retired Teamsters who volunteered their time to make this event a success. Other partners that contributed to the success of this event include First Student who provided transportation for the attendees; and Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Bimbo Bakeries who provided beverages, snakes and desserts. Associated Grocers provided transportation of all the food and supplies along with the campers’ equipment in addition to their very generous donation.

Jeff stated that it was rewarding to see the many campers enjoying the event with laughter and smiles. He also noted that many of the volunteers also looked very happy as they observed their impact on their guests for the day.

Principal Officer Jeffrey Padellaro expressed his sincere thanks for the many Teamsters Local 633 who volunteer their time each year to make this event a success.

On Saturday, July 29th, Teamsters Local 633 Business Agent Rick Laughton joined a group of members, retirees, and guests on a day- long ride through the Lakes Region. The ride started at the Union Hall in Manchester, NH and the group completed a 200 mile loop through the Lakes Region. Some of the lakes visited were Winnipesaukee, Wentworth, Lovell, Squam and Province. It was a perfect day for the ride with clear skies and dry roads. The lakes were in sight most of the day starting in Alton into Wolfeboro, then heading east through Wakefield to the Maine state border before looping north to Ossipee. The group enjoyed lunch together at the Yankee Smokehouse. The ride then continued from Moultonborough to Laconia and Belmont before heading back to Manchester. A great time was had by all and plans may be in the works for another ride in the early fall. If interested in joining a fall ride, please reach out for Rick Laughton.

Local 633 Snapshots

Teamsters’ Retirements Acknowledged at the February General Membership Meeting Principal Officer Jeffrey Padellaro and Business Agent Richard Laughton presented Gerry McGuire with a Teamsters’ watch in recognition of his long time commitment to the Union. Agent … Continue reading →

TEAMSTER PROFILES Frank Logan Correctional Officer – Union Steward Principal Officer Jeffrey Padellaro created this section to profile our members in more depth so that our brothers and sisters have a better appreciation for members working in careers with which they may not be familiar. Frank Logan is currently … Continue reading →

Mayoral Candidate Joyce Craig was introduced to the membership Sunday, November 5, 2017, prior to the monthly membership meeting being called to order. The Teamsters represent several bargaining units employed by the City and the School District. Principal Officer Jeff Padellaro stated that he was impressed with Ms. Craig’s positive … Continue reading →

Dan Chambers of UPS Nashua was recognized by UPS for 25 Years of Safe Driving. This honor is bestowed upon those drivers who have reached at least 25 years of commercial operation without incurring an avoidable accident. Business Agent Kevin Foley congratulated Dan on this milestone and wishes him … Continue reading →

Teamsters Local 633 Shop Steward and Seabrook K-9 Police Officer David Hersey puts on a demonstration for the Seabrook Board of Selectmen with his new partner Henry.This is yet another part of our ongoing effort to highlight our membership at work. We thank Officer Hersey and all of our Local 633 Public Employee membership for the valuable service they provide in keeping New Hampshire's families safe. ... See MoreSee Less

K-9 Henry is a 20-month-old Belgian Malinois who was introduced to selectmen Monday afternoon by Officer David Hersey, who will be Henry's caretaker. Police Chief Michael Gallagher designated Hersey a...

Friday, March 16, is the deadline for the #Teamsters #Local25 scholarship applications. The scholarships are $2,000 each and are awarded at our May membership meeting. To learn about all of the @Teams...

Bus Drivers’ News

On September 19, 2017, the bus drivers of STA Londonderry stated clearly to their employer, by an overwhelming vote, that they wanted to join the Teamsters in Driving UP Standards at their location. Under the direction of Principal Officer Jeffrey Padellaro, Field Representative Roger Travers assisted the group in organizing … Continue reading →

Associated Grocers of New England

Keith Judge, Teamsters’ Field Representative, visited the Associated Grocers facility located in Pembroke at 12:30 a.m. on July 14, 2017, to meet with our Teamster members. Keith was joined by Steward Rich Charity, a 5- year employee of AG, in meeting with the drivers as they reported for work. As … Continue reading →

Associated Grocers is one of our larger single site employers with over 200 members working out of their Pembroke NH warehouse location. From there, the drivers cover all of New England and designated areas of New York and Pennsylvania. This company’s operations are 24 hours a day, 7 days a … Continue reading →